Lagoa do Fogo & Sete Cidades by Van — Full Day
Two legendary crater lakes, one unforgettable island crossing through the heart of São Miguel.
This full-day van tour brings you face to face with the extraordinary volcanic landscapes of Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo, two of the most celebrated natural landmarks on the island of São Miguel in the Azores.
The itinerary covers both ends of the island, weaving through lush highlands, traditional villages, and dramatic calderas that reveal the raw geological character of this Atlantic archipelago. A guided local expert accompanies the group throughout, offering context and insight at each stop.
From the panoramic viewpoint at Vista do Rei to the steaming margins of Lagoa do Fogo, the landscapes encountered on this route represent the best of what São Miguel has to offer in a single day.
Tour Highlights
Stand above the iconic twin lagoons of Sete Cidades — one green, one blue — set inside an ancient volcanic caldera.
Take in sweeping views from Vista do Rei, one of the most photographed viewpoints in the entire Azores.
Visit Lagoa do Fogo, a protected crater lake formed after a 1563 eruption, stretching roughly 2 km in length.
Pass through Caldeira Velha, a thermal area surrounded by lush fern forests and natural hot spring pools.
Explore the charming Vila Sete Cidades and discover the legend of the shepherd and the princess behind the lake's formation.
Stop at working pineapple plantations and visit the scenic coastal town of Ribeira Grande along the northern shore.
Travel with a professional guide, full insurance coverage, and lunch included throughout the full day.
Tour Itinerary
The tour begins at ANC Azores Holidays in Ponta Delgada. Guests travel through local pineapple plantations (Ananases) and the area of Remédios before ascending toward the volcanic interior of the island.
The route reaches Pico da Barrosa and the Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo, offering unobstructed views over the vast blue crater lake. The group then passes through Caldeira Velha, a geothermal zone rich in hydrangeas and endemic ferns, before continuing to Ribeira Grande on the north coast.
Traveling westward along the coast, the tour stops in Capelas before descending into Vila Sete Cidades, the small settlement nestled within the caldera. An optional route through the tunnel provides an alternative approach to the lake basin.
The group visits Lagoa de Santiago and ascends to the renowned Vista do Rei viewpoint, where the full expanse of the Sete Cidades caldera and its two differently colored lagoons comes into view. An optional stop at Poços de São Vicente may be included depending on conditions.
The tour concludes with a return journey to ANC Azores Holidays in Ponta Delgada, completing a comprehensive loop across the island's most celebrated volcanic terrain.
What's Included & Excluded
Included
- Professional tour guide
- Travel insurance
- Fuel and transportation by van or panoramic minibus
- Lunch
Not Included
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Optional entrance fees at individual sites
- Gratuities for the guide
Important Information
Ready to Explore São Miguel?
Secure your place on this full-day journey through the volcanic heart of the Azores, taking in Lagoa do Fogo and Sete Cidades in one remarkable day.
Book Now
